The Open 2013: Rory McIlroy has 'lost his focus', says Sir Nick Faldo

Sir Nick Faldo has never been short of advice when it comes to Rory McIlroy
although it is doubtful the world No2 will appreciate being told that he is
being distracted by off-course activities and “should concentrate solely on
golf”.

In the swing: Rory McIlroy drives off during practice for the Open at Muirfield Photo: ACTION IMAGES

Faldo was critical of McIlroy’s switch to Nike in a £78million deal in January, saying it was “a dangerous move” which was made “only for the money”.

And at Muirfield on Monday, with The Open starting on Thursday, he expanded on his fears.

In the last six months the 24-year-old, whose high-profile relationship with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki has also come under scrutiny, has not only changed equipment suppliers but is also in the process of leaving his management company.

He has failed to win yet this season and in his last appearance missed the cut at the Irish Open.

Faldo believes that the Ulsterman has lost focus, an accusation which will surely anger McIlroy.

“There’s a lot going on in his mind,” the three-time Open champion said.

“You need 100 per cent concentration, off the golf course, practising, as well.

"Ideally, you should go to the club at nine in the morning, hit balls all day long, and leave at five.

"You have to do that. You have a 20-year window of opportunity as an athlete. Concentrate on golf, nothing else.

“When you retire in your 40s, 50s, hopefully you have another 40 years to enjoy it. Just concentrate on golf, nothing else. That’s my only words of wisdom to Rory.”

Faldo also took a tongue-in-cheek swipe at the current generation.

Because of his affection of Muirfield, where he won two Opens, Faldo is playing in his first Open in three years and while he has been working on his swing he has been struck by the technology on offer.

“These kids, they’ve got it all now,” he said. They have this knowledge, it’s not a guess any more – in our era we were still guessing.

"They all have the knowledge and understanding of the game. There’s almost a blueprint on how to play this game: physically we know how to train - it’s not a guess - and technically the coaching has really improved.